The Three Bells
Alison Krauss (And Union Station) · Other Songs - Alison Krauss (And Union Station)
Among the pine trees half forlorn
And there on a sunny morning
Little Jimmy Brown was born.
All the chapel bells were ringing
In the little valley town
And the songs that they were singing
Was for baby Jimmy Brown.
And the little congregation
Prayed for guidance from above
Lead us not into temptation
Bless this hour of meditation
Guide him with eternal love.
There's a village hidden deep in the valley
Beneath the mountains high above
And there twenty years thereafter
Jimmy was to meet his love.
All the chapel bells were ringing
Twas a great day in his life
For the songs that they were singing
Was for Jimmy and his wife.
And the little congregation
Prayed for guidance from above
Lead us not into temptation
Bless oh Lord, this celebration
May their lives be filled with love.
From the village hidden deep in the valley
One rainy morning dark and grey
A soul which wait in the heaven
Jimmy Brown had passed away.
Just the lonely bell was ringing
In the little valley town
Twas there will it was singing
To our good old Jimmy Brown.
And the little congregation
Prayed for guidance from above
Lead us not into temptation
May his soul find this salvation
Of Thy great eternal love...
The Three Bells
Alison Krauss and Union Station deliver a masterful interpretation of the traditional folk standard "The Three Bells," showcasing the band's signature blend of bluegrass and country influences. The recording highlights Krauss's crystalline vocals, which navigate the song's narrative of a traveler's journey with characteristic grace and emotional depth. Union Station's tight instrumental arrangement provides a driving yet delicate backdrop, allowing the melody to soar while maintaining the rhythmic momentum essential to the genre. This track exemplifies the group's ability to honor traditional material while infusing it with a modern sensibility that has defined their extensive discography. As a staple of their live performances and studio output, the song remains a testament to their enduring skill in preserving and revitalizing American roots music for contemporary audiences.